Development Scenario
Pesticide Use: Punjab Farming Community
You and your neighbor are cotton farmers in Punjab with adjacent fields. You both face severe pest pressure. You each must decide independently whether to use Moderate Pesticides (sustainable practice) or Heavy Pesticides (intensive chemical use).
The problem: pests develop resistance and migrate between fields. If one farmer uses heavy pesticides, pests become resistant and move to the other field. This creates an arms race - escalating chemical use with diminishing returns, environmental damage, and health costs.
Net Profit Matrix (₹ lakhs per season)
| Neighbor: Moderate Use | Neighbor: Heavy Use | |
|---|---|---|
| You: Moderate Use |
₹6 / ₹6
Sustainable profits
|
₹1 / ₹8
Pests migrate to you
|
| You: Heavy Use |
₹8 / ₹1
Pests migrate away
|
₹3 / ₹3
Resistance escalation
|
Your Decision
What strategy will you adopt this season? Remember, you and your neighbor are deciding simultaneously without coordination. Higher profits are better.